Isio has appointed ex-FCA supervisory specialist Ritchie Thomson to be a strategic advisor to its regulatory conduct business.
Thomson worked for the FCA for 20 years, and led the regulators’ supervisory work for the advice sector. This included establishing the team overseeing defined benefit (DB) pension transfers, and being one of the main architects of the ongoing advice review — the findings of which were published last week.
In his new role at Isio Thomson will work with Andy Mewis and Ben Goodwin, who lead its regulatory risk & rectification team, to broaden the business’s reach within the wider regulatory conduct and remediation space.
Mewis created Deloitte’s pension regulatory conduct practice in 2015, specialising initially in reviews of DB pension transfer advice. Its scope expanded over time and, since the team joined Isio in 2023, it has seen increasing demand from advice firms grappling with section 166 reviews, Consumer Duty compliance and, more recently, anticipated fallout from the ongoing advice review.
Isio says that Thomson’s experience in this area will add weight to the support it offers, with the firm able to leverage his expertise to advise clients on complex reviews, collaboration with regulators and managing risk.
Thomson will also play a key role in developing strategies to address contingent liabilities in past advice books, overseeing reviews relating to high risk products such as DB pension transfers, and advising on new and emerging conduct risks, such as the FCA’s Motor Finance Review.
Isio partner Andy Mewis says: “[Thomson’s] appointment strengthens our regulatory risk and rectification team at a pivotal time for the industry. His expertise in regulatory projects and past business reviews will be invaluable in helping our clients navigate the FCA’s evolving expectations.
“With Thomson on board, we can further support clients in assessing their ongoing advice delivery, addressing potential gaps, and ensuring compliance with Consumer Duty requirements.”
Isio strategic advisor Ritchie Thomson adds: “Regulatory expectations are evolving rapidly, and I’m looking forward to leveraging my experience to help our clients navigate complex regulatory challenges and ensure they remain compliant while delivering strong outcomes.”
